WELLINGTON, Fla. – “Fair Winds and Following Seas”.

Robert McBeth Staples, 103, of Wellington, Fla., suddenly left this world for another on Oct. 1, 2025, and still looking forward to his next game of golf. He was born in Bath, Maine, July 20, 1922, to William Rufus and Dora Jaquith Staples. He graduated from Morse High School in Bath in 1941 and the U.S. Maritime Service Officer’s Training School at Ft. Trumbull, Conn.
Always an optimist and go-getter, Bob felt he could accomplish anything to which he set his mind. It began when he sold Christmas cards as a child and ended the day he died. In between: won a trip to the 1939 World’s Fair for adding the largest number of Portland Press Herald new customers; established Staples Motor Company in Patten, Maine helping introduce the first TV’s and Johnson outboard motors there in the early 1950’s; manager and salesperson for various boat companies in Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale and Portland; owner of Manpower, Inc. of Maine in Portland, 1964-1978; developed the Portland Sportsmen’s Show in Portland; established Professional Golf Schools of America in retirement.
Bob was an avid golfer, sailor, photographer, Red Sox fan and loved to sing. Later in life he did watercolor and computer painting. He was always interested in the latest technical device. In retirement he learned and enjoyed ballroom dancing.
After serving as an officer in the U.S. Maritime Service during World War II in the Atlantic and Pacific zones, Bob worked in the W.R. Grace accounting department in NYC and married Bonita Grant Staples of Sherman, Maine. They were married for 42 years. Retiring in 1980 to Jupiter, Fla., he golfed at North Palm Beach Country Club and in the summers at Northport Golf Club in Bayside, Maine for many years. In Maine, he was a member of the Northport Yacht Club and the Portland Rotary Club. He had a passion for Scotland and travelled there twice and, of course, played golf. He was a lifetime member of the Masons.

Bob was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, Richard, John, Warren, and three sisters, Rinda Elwell, Janet Hannigan, Margaret Cieselski; his former wife, Bonita; and his son-in-law, George Marquis.

He is survived by his daughter, Carmen Marquis of Wellington, Fla., his son, Clifton Staples of Somesville, Maine (Joyce MacIntosh); his grandson, Kevin of Bath, Maine (Jocelyn Runnebaum) and great-grandson, Errol; his granddaughter, Felicia Staples of Ellsworth, Maine (Patrick Hanley), two great-granddaughters, Sophie and Amelia and great-grandson, Mack; many nieces, nephews; and special life friends including “daughter 1 and 1/2” Donna Fucci (Mario) of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.